Laptop Backlight

[Not Kuno]

My laptop backlight doesnt come back on when I close the lid. It's super dim atm and the only thing that fixes it is turning the laptop off. Anyone have any clue how to fix that doesn't resort to sending it back to IBM? >.> Its a thinkpad.

[Not Kuno]

Oh yeah I should add that it works fine when I restart. It just doesn't come back on when I close/open lid.

[Cephius]

Did you try hitting Fn+F7? I think that controls the screen on Thinkpads. Otherwise, problems with the backlight are usually a result of a failing inverter or a dying screen itself. More often than not it's the inverter.. Try looking up the type of laptop you have on IBM's website, there should be guides there for finding and replacing the inverter on your thinkpad (if that is what the problem is - its sometimes hard to tell, more so since you apparently only have the problem after closing the lid) Both require replacements that you should be able to order from IBM.

The only other thing you could do is double check power management settings and try messing with what the computer is set to do when the lid is closed. Try setting it to "do nothing" (screen will still turn off, but no standby/hibernate and the computer won't shut off) close and open the lid and see if the problem persists. I'm still leaning towards an inverter/screen problem though.

[Not Kuno]

Yes I have it set to "do nothing" when I close the lid. It works just fine normally but when I close and open it, it doesnt turn back on. Right now Ive had it open for like an hour but I know if I close my lid it wont light up again unless I restart.

[Cephius]

Try updating the bios. If that doesn't work, you can use the instructions on this website : http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2 ... backlight/

Instead of replacing the inverter, just try to clean it and make sure everything is seated correctly and connected. If that doesn't work I don't know what else to tell you other than to replace the inverter :\